Local Research (Daily Press)

Local Research

Daily PressAugust 11, 1998

Scientists use the Jefferson Lab's electron accelerator to probe the tiniest parts of the atom. And they recently fired up, for the first time, a free-electron laser, which eventually could be used by industry to treat polyester fibers and stell surfaces. The lab employs about 500 people, has an annual operating budget of $70 million. It is operated by a consortium of universities under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.